Credit card readers make the checkout process fast and easy for your customers. They also simplify your back office operations and help you track inventory more effectively. But not all card payment machines are created equal, and some can cost a lot more than others.
Before you decide on a specific machine, it’s important to assess your business needs and budget. Choosing the right one means factoring in upfront costs as well as monthly fees, transaction fees, and any other hidden charges that could add up over time.
A card payment machine takes physical credit and debit cards and sends the data to your local bank or a payment processor for processing. The device can be a stand-alone terminal, a mobile payment solution, or integrated into your point-of-sale (POS) system. You can either own or lease your card machine. We recommend leasing to minimize maintenance issues and get a new device quickly if it stops working.
Depending on your business needs, you may want extra features like customer-facing displays or a barcode scanner to keep the line moving. Some card machines offer built-in receipt printers, while others have a USB port that allows you to connect a separate receipt printer or a smartphone app to print out your customer’s payment details. Other options include a touch screen for fast, simple operation. Some have a flexible pricing structure that allows you to negotiate your hardware costs and transaction fees based on your needs. card machines for small businesses